Tools
Tools are pre-built connectors that allow AI agents to interact with external services and APIs. They transform agents from text generators into action-takers that can send emails, manage files, search the web, and integrate with your existing workflow.
Tools are Nodes In VibeAgent, capabilities aren't hidden settings. Every tool is a standalone Node that you drag onto the canvas. To "give" an agent a tool, you simply draw a connection line from the Agent (or Logic node) to the Tool node.
How Tools Work
When a user makes a request, the agent automatically:
- Identifies which tool can fulfill the request
- Selects the appropriate tool and method
- Executes the action with required parameters
- Returns the result to continue the conversation
Example:
User: "Send an email to sarah@company.com about the project update"
↓
Agent selects Gmail tool
↓
Executes: gmail.sendEmail(to, subject, body)
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Agent responds: "Email sent successfully"
Tool Categories
VibeAgent provides tools across multiple categories to cover your automation needs:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Search & Research | Web search engines, knowledge bases, and research APIs |
| Communication | Email, messaging, and team collaboration platforms |
| Productivity | Project management, documentation, and scheduling tools |
| File Management | Cloud storage, document creation, and file operations |
| CRM & Sales | Customer relationship management and sales prospecting |
| Marketing | Advertising platforms, social scheduling, and analytics |
| Data Storage | Databases, vector stores, and data warehouses |
| Social Media | Social platforms for posting and engagement |
| Developer | Code repositories, CI/CD, and API utilities |
| Utilities | Web scraping, forms, and general-purpose helpers |
Browse the full list of available tools in the Tool Library within your workspace. New integrations are added regularly.
Authentication
Tools fall into two categories based on their authentication requirements:
No Authentication Required
Some tools work immediately without any setup. These are typically public data sources and utility functions.
Authentication Required
Most third-party integrations require credentials. Common authentication methods include:
- OAuth 2.0 – Securely connect with a single click via services like Google or Microsoft
- API Keys – Enter a key provided by the service
- Bot Tokens – Used by messaging platforms like Slack or Discord
For a detailed guide on adding, auditing, and deleting your connected accounts, please refer to the dedicated Manage Credentials Guide.
Node Configuration
Every tool node features two distinct control buttons to manage its behavior:
- Auth 🔑: Manages permissions for connecting to services like Gmail and GitHub.
- Config ⚙️: Manages specific settings and arguments for the action.
The Config Button
Clicking Config opens a settings modal unique to that specific tool. For example, a Calendar tool might ask for "Days Ahead," while a Spreadsheet tool asks for a "Folder ID".
Visual Indicators: The button color changes to give you visual feedback on the node's state:
- Grey (Default): The tool is using default settings.
- Blue (Active): You have applied custom settings or hardcoded specific arguments.
Setting Arguments: Inside the configuration modal, you have two choices for every field:
- Hardcoded: Type a specific value to force the tool to always use that data. For example, you can set Importance to "High".
- AI-Determined: Leave the field empty to let the agent decide the value dynamically based on the user's chat context. Empty fields are indicated by the Robot icon🤖.
After modifying any tool configuration, you must Save the entire workflow graph to apply the changes.
Managing Credentials
Method 1: The Sidebar Manager
For a global view of all your connected accounts:
- Navigate to the Graph Configuration section in the right sidebar.
- Click Tool Credentials.
- Here, you can view, update, or revoke access for any connected service (Google, GitHub, etc.).
Method 2: On-the-Fly Configuration (Recommended)
You can connect new accounts without leaving your workflow.
- Add a Tool: Drag a private tool onto the canvas, such as Gmail Send Email.
- Check Status: Notice the Key Icon on the node.
- Green Auth: Credential is active and working.
- Grey No Auth: Credential is missing or expired.
- Configure: Click the Auth button on the node to open the settings modal.
- Connect:
- Select Existing: Choose a previously connected email from the dropdown menu.
- Add New: Click the + Add New [Service] button to launch the secure authentication popup.
Example: Connecting Gmail
Follow these steps to authorize a Gmail node:
- Drag & Drop: Place the Gmail Send Email node onto your canvas.
- Open Settings: Click the key icon (Auth) on the node.
- Authenticate:
- If the dropdown is empty, click + Add New Gmail.
- A Google popup will appear. Grant VibeAgent the necessary permissions.
- Select Account: Once authorized, your email address will appear in the "Select Gmail" dropdown.
- Confirm: Click Use Selected Gmail to lock in the credential. The node's status badge will turn Green to indicate it is ready for deployment.
Using Tools in Workflows
Enabling Tools
- Open your workflow in the flow builder
- Click on an Agent node
- Scroll to the Tools section
- Select the tools you want to enable
- Save the agent configuration
- Be selective – Enable only the tools your agent needs for its specific task
- Keep it lean – Fewer tools lead to faster and more accurate decisions
- Group logically – Combine related tools for cohesive workflows
- Test thoroughly – Validate workflows after adding new tools
Example Use Cases
Customer Support Bot
Tools: Gmail, Slack, Notion
Read support email → Classify urgency → Create task → Notify team
Daily News Digest
Tools: Tavily, Gmail
Search industry news → Summarize articles → Email digest at 9 AM
Lead Generation
Tools: Apollo, Lusha, Salesforce
Find leads → Enrich contact data → Add to CRM
Social Media Automation
Tools: Twitter, LinkedIn, Analytics
Generate post → Publish to platforms → Track engagement